Chief Michael G. Osborn of the Ocean County Sheriff's Office retired effective Monday, leaving Acting Sheriff William T. Sommeling as the sole manager of the department.

Written by

Chief Michael G. Osborn of the Ocean County Sheriff's Office retired this week after more than 22 years of service, leaving acting Sheriff William T. Sommeling alone in charge of the department.

Ocean County Freeholder Director John P. Kelly said Wednesday that the county government hoped to rehire Osborn in the civilian capacity of undersheriff, until voters elect a new sheriff in November to succeed the late William L. Polhemus, who died in December after 26 years in the job.

Under that scenario, Osborn, 52, could collect his police pension, in addition to a new executive salary that would ...